Breathable or Convertible Sleeve System

ABSTRACT

Disclosed embodiments provide for quick and one handed conversion of a jacket to a vest and of conversion of a vest to a jacket. Disclosed sleeves do not need to be turned inside out when retracted into the garment. A convertible jacket  100  may comprise a vest or body  300  and may comprise a retractable sleeve  200  with the retractable sleeve comprising a zipper  210  or longitudinal faster. The zipper may have an external tab or pull and/or an internal tab or pull. A retractable sleeve may be attached to a garment by use of in internal seam  310,  with the internal seam defining an arm void when the retractable sleeve is retracted into the garment.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a utility application based upon U.S. patent application Ser. No. 62/074,189 filed on Nov. 3, 2014. This related application is incorporated herein by reference and made a part of this application. If any conflict arises between the disclosure of the invention in this utility application and that in the related provisional application, the disclosure in this utility application shall govern. Moreover, the inventor(s) incorporate herein by reference any and all patents, patent applications, and other documents hard copy or electronic, cited or referred to in this application.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(1) Field of the Invention

The invention generally relates to articles of clothing. More particularly, the invention relates to means and methods of creating and providing convertible sleeve systems.

(2) Related Art

U.S. Pat. No. 4,122,553 granted to Pitkamen discloses a convertible garment that may be worn as either a sleeved jacket or sleeveless vest. While Pitkmamen does have a zipper upon the top part of the sleeve, Pitkamen requires the sleeve to be pulled inside out to create a vest. Pitkamen's necessity of turning the sleeve inside out requires an inordinate amount of time and effort in converting the garment from jacket to vest or from vest to jacket. Pitkamen inside out sleeve folding requirement prevents onehanded conversion. Pitikamen fails to provide an inside zipper pull strap or tab and fails to provide an outside protective collar around a sleeve void. Pitikamen also fails to provide a circular sleeve seam at the shoulder area.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,302,850 granted to Maeshima discloses a vest with sleeves but fails to enable one handed operation. Moreover, Maeshima adds bulk to the garment by use of an inside pocket used to store a retracted sleeve. Maeshima fails to provide an inside zipper pull strap or tab and fails to provide an outside protective collar around a sleeve void or a circular sleeve seam at the shoulder area.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,569,089 granted to Nesse discloses a complicated jacket with retractable sleeves that are rolled or folded into sleeve storage compartments with the storage compartments encircling the arm voids. The sleeve storage system and sleeve retraction system creates a bulky and unwieldy garment.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,864,656 granted to Nessee discloses a removable insert assembly for jackets wherein sleeves are removed from the garment. This system requires two handed operation and fails to keep sleeves ready for deployment when needed.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes shortfalls in the related art by presenting an unobvious and unique combination and configuration of methods and components to provide a retractable sleeve that easily coverts back and forth from an external position to an internal position.

The invention overcomes shortfalls in the related art by using a zipper section along an upper longitudinal axis of a sleeve, allowing a user's arm or limb to easily exit the sleeve. The sleeve may be attached to the garment by an internal seam or attachment area that may follow the contour of an arm void. The artful sleeve attachment system and longitudinal zipper allow the sleeve to retract into the body of the garment. The internal seam, longitudinal zipper with an internal tab or pull system and other disclosed features overcome shortfalls in the art by enabling one handed operation and by not requiring that a retracted sleeve be turned inside out, as required in the prior art of Pitkamen. The direction of zipper movement or sleeve opening in Pitkamen is from elbow to shoulder, thus preventing one handed operation as a sleeve of useful width would not have room for a user's elbow to bend within the sleeve.

The disclosed retractable sleeve system allows the wearer to easily and quickly change a garment from a jacket into a vest. The disclosed system also allows for other garment conversions such coveralls into bib overalls. The loss or misplacement of sleeves is prevented as the sleeves remain attached to the body or vest section of the garment. While in an internal position, the sleeves are tucked or retained within the main body of the garment allowing the user to quickly extend the sleeves back to an external position. Unlike the prior art, the presently disclosed embodiments do not need an internal pocket system.

The disclosed retractable sleeve system may include an upper sleeve having a zipper from the shoulder to the wrist. In a retraction process, the wearer opens the zipper from the shoulder to wrist, extends or slips their arm outside of the sleeve and then retracts the sleeve into the body of the garment. One handed operation and other prior art shortfalls are overcome by having the zipper tab at the shoulder area wherein the zipper opens toward the wrist area. With the disclosed zipper configuration and direction of zipper pull, an elbow my slightly retract into the body of the garment to allow the user's hand to pull into the wrist area and grasp the zipper tab. The prior art of Pitkanen teaches away from this configuration as the Pitkanen zipper tab starts at the elbow section wherein the Pitkanen zipper opens toward the shoulder section. The zipper direction and/or zipper configuration of Pitkanen prevents one handed use.

With the presently disclosed embodiments, changing sleeve position may be accomplished in a few seconds, with one hand and in total darkness. A wearer may immediately cool down when desired and thus prevent the accumulation of perspiration upon or within the garment. Hypothermia may be avoided by the quick return of the sleeve into the external position.

The disclosed retractable sleeve system is especially useful in active sports where rest stops or changing rooms are not available. For example, the disclosed embodiments allow sleeve conversion while actively participating caving, cycling, hiking and other activities and sports.

Disclosed embodiments may be executed in a myriad of configurations which include active sportswear, urban apparel, technical outerwear, and technical sports clothing. Disclosed embodiments are useful in men's, women's and children's wear and may be implemented in all fabrics and/or insulated garments which may include down, polyfill (polyester) Gore-Tex, fleece, leather, lightweight sheer fabrics and others.

These and other objects and advantages will be made apparent when considering the following detailed specification when taken in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a disclosed embodiment having a sleeve in an external position.

FIG. 2 depicts a disclosed embodiment having a user's hand extending through sleeve void created by an access zipper.

FIG. 3 depicts a disclosed embodiment having a sleeve retracted to a nearly internal position.

FIG. 4 depicts a disclosed embodiment with sleeves shown in an internal position.

FIG. 5 depicts a disclosed embodiment with a sleeve in an external position.

FIG. 6 depicts a disclosed embodiment with a protective collar circulating a shoulder area.

REFERENCE NUMERALS IN THE DRAWINGS

100 a disclosed embodiment in general

200 a convertible sleeve

210 zipper or zipper section of convertible sleeve

215 zipper tab attached to zipper 210

220 upper section of convertible sleeve

230 wrist area of convertible sleeve

240 shoulder area of convertible sleeve

250 longitudinal seams exposed when the zipper is an open position

300 body of garment or vest

310 internal seam or attachment area of garment body and convertible sleeve

320 arm void area

330 protective collar of garment

400 hand, arm or limb of user

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is directed to certain specific embodiments of the invention. However, the invention can be embodied in a multitude of different ways as defined and covered by the claims and their equivalents. In this description, reference is made to the drawings wherein like parts are designated with like numerals throughout.

Unless otherwise noted in this specification or in the claims, all of the terms used in the specification and the claims will have the meanings normally ascribed to these terms by workers in the art.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising” and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in a sense of “including, but not limited to.” Words using the singular or plural number also include the plural or singular number, respectively. Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below,” and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application.

The above detailed description of embodiments of the invention is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed above. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the invention are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the invention, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. For example, while steps are presented in a given order, alternative embodiments may perform routines having steps in a different order. The teachings of the invention provided herein can be applied to other systems, not only the systems described herein. The various embodiments described herein can be combined to provide further embodiments. These and other changes can be made to the invention in light of the detailed description.

Any and all the above references and U.S. patents and applications are incorporated herein by reference. Aspects of the invention can be modified, if necessary, to employ the systems, functions and concepts of the various patents and applications described above to provide yet further embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 1 depicts a disclosed embodiment 100 having a convertible sleeve 200 in an external or extended position. The sleeve or convertible sleeve 200 may comprise an upper section 220 having a zipper or zipper section 210 along the longitudinal axis of the sleeve. A sleeve may further comprise a shoulder section 240, proximal to the body of the garment 300 and a wrist area 230, distal to the body of the garment. The zipper may be covered with an optional zipper flap. A sleeve may be attached to the body of the garment by use of an internal seam 310 or attachment area. The internal seam may circle the shoulder area and allow the sleeve to be retracted without need to turn the sleeve inside out.

FIG. 2 depicts a hand, arm or limb 400 extended through an open zipper 210. The zipper is shown to open from the shoulder area 240 to the wrist area 230. A zipper tab 215 may be attached to the zipper 210. In the preferred embodiment, the zipper tab 215 is disposed upon the outside surfaces of the sleeve. In such a configuration, the opposite hand may open and close the zipper, allowing for one handed operation. The addition of loops, pull tabs and other accessories to the zipper is contemplated so as to accommodate gloved hands. In one embodiment or method, an opposite hand moves the zipper tab from a closed position at the shoulder area to an open position near the wrist area. Then, the sleeved hand may exist the sleeve by use of the opened zipper void, grasp the wrist area of the sleeve and then pull the sleeve into the garment. Alternatively, the opposite hand may grasp the wrist area of the sleeve and then tuck the sleeve into the garment.

A zipper tab may also be disposed internal to a sleeve, allowing for an arm to be pulled into the body of the garment such that a hand may grasp the internal tab and pull the zipper tab outwardly toward the wrist area. While a hand is grasping the zipper tab in the wrist area the hand may be placed external to the sleeve, grasp the end of the sleeve and then retract the sleeve into the garment. This configuration and/or method overcomes shortfalls in the art

In an alternative embodiment, the zipper tab 215 may be disposed within the sleeve to allow for one handed operation of the zipper. Thus, while a sleeve is in an external position, the zipper tab may rest within the sleeve, allowing a user to retract their hand within the sleeve to grasp the zipper tab 215 and open the zipper.

The sleeve 200 is shown in attachment to a vest section or body of garment 300 by use of an internal seam or attachment area 310 located at or near the shoulder area 240.

FIG. 2 further depicts an arm exit void 260 defined by two longitudinal seams 250 exposed when the zipper 210 is an open position.

FIG. 3 depicts a sleeve almost fully retracted within a vest or body of the garment 300. The retracted sleeve exposes an arm void area 320. The exposed arm void area 320 provides an opening for a wearer's arm to extend while uncovered by the garment. The arm void area 320 is near the internal seam 310 or attachment area that secures the sleeves.

FIG. 4 depicts a disclosed garment having sleeves fully retracted or in an internal position. Retracted sleeves have a benefit of staying warm; as such sleeves are retained next to the wearer's body and are insulated from the elements by the vest portion or body of the garment 300. Sleeves so secured and retained are not prone to loss or misplacement. The presently disclosed embodiments do not require retracted sleeves to be turned inside out. The internal seam 310 overcomes shortfalls in the art by allowing the sleeve to be moved internally without need of turning the sleeve inside out.

FIG. 5 depicts a disclosed garment with a longitudinal zipper having a pull tab 215 near the shoulder area. In this configuration, the zipper is closed at the shoulder area and may be opened toward the wrist area.

FIG. 6 depicts a disclosed garment with a protective collar 330 circling the arm void a rear or internal seam. The protective collar 330 overcomes shortfalls in the art by preventing water from entering the internal seam and by preventing water from entering the garment when the sleeve is retracted.

Disclosed embodiments include the use of zippers, buttons, Velcro and all other fasteners that may secure a sleeve or other garment component.

Disclosed embodiments include the following items:

Item 1. A convertible jacket 100 comprising a retractable sleeve 200, with the retractable sleeve configured for retraction by one handed operation, the jacket comprising:

a) an internal seam 310 attached to the jacket and the retractable sleeve and the internal seam circling the retractable sleeve, the internal seam defining an arm void when the retractable sleeve is retracted into the jacket;

b) the retractable sleeve comprising a longitudinal fastener 210 disposed upon a top side of the retractable sleeve, the longitudinal fastener comprising a tab 215 disposed in a garment shoulder area when the longitudinal faster is in a closed position with the tab disposed in a wrist area of the retractable sleeve when the longitudinal fastener is in an open position; and

c) an arm exit void 260 defined by longitudinal seams 250, the longitudinal seams exposed when the longitudinal fastener is in an open position.

Item 2. The jacket of 1 further comprising a protective collar 330 circling an outer perimeter of the jacket shoulder area.

Item 3. The jacket of 1 further comprising an internal tab internal to the retractable sleeve with the internal tab attached to the longitudinal fastener.

Item 4. The jacket of 1 wherein the longitudinal fastener comprises a zipper. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A convertible jacket comprising a retractable sleeve, with the retractable sleeve configured for retraction by one handed operation, the jacket comprising: a) an internal seam attached to the jacket and the retractable sleeve and the internal seam circling the retractable sleeve, the internal seam defining an arm void when the retractable sleeve is retracted into the jacket; b) the retractable sleeve comprising a longitudinal fastener disposed upon a top side of the retractable sleeve, the longitudinal fastener comprising an external tab disposed in a jacket shoulder area when the longitudinal faster is in a closed position with the external tab disposed in a wrist area of the retractable sleeve when the longitudinal fastener is in an open position; and c) a arm exit void defined by longitudinal seams, the longitudinal seams exposed when the longitudinal fastener is in an open position.
 2. The jacket of claim 1 further comprising a protective collar circling an outer perimeter of the jacket shoulder area.
 3. The jacket of claim 1 further comprising an internal tab internal to the retractable sleeve, the internal tab attached to the longitudinal fastener.
 4. The jacket of claim 1 wherein the longitudinal fastener comprises a zipper. 